Governor's proposed tax holiday initiative still fuels concerns

By Rick Karlin

Published 10:09 pm, Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Could Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposal to let new businesses enjoy a 10-year tax holiday if they locate on State University land mean that someone could start fracking tax free for natural gas on a campus?

One of the opponents of the proposed Tax-Free New York initiative raised that question on Tuesday.

Frank Mauro, of the labor-backed Fiscal Policy Institute, conceded that no one really expects gas wells to pop up near campus quads, even if state's existing fracking ban is lifted.

And Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi dismissed as an absurdity the idea that Tax Free New York would lead to gas wells on campuses.

But Mauro's point underscored the level of suspicion on the left as well as by some on the right, of the Tax-Free New York proposal which would waive all levies including individual income taxes, for new businesses coming to upstate SUNY campuses as well to selected spots downstate.

Opponents say they realize the plan has support among many lawmakers and their leaders. "I'm fearful that this is going to be one of those instances where this is pushed through," said Ron Deutsch of New Yorkers for Fiscal Fairness.